Police in action as Congress workers protest against the Muzaffarnagar riots, burning an effigy of state Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, in Allahabad. (PTI Photo)

People argue with policemen during curfew hours following riots and clashes between two communities. The Army was called in to contain the vioence. (AP Photo)

Army vehicles patrol a deserted road during the curfew in Muzaffarnagar. An army contingent of up to 800 was dispatched to the area as armed ...

An army trooper during a flag march in the curfew-hit areas in Muzaffarnagar. Army was deployed in the area after intense communal clashes on Saturday. ...

Shiv Chowk, the market in the heart of Muzaffarnagar, left empty due to the curfew. (HT Photo)

Shiv Chowk, the market in the heart of Muzaffarnagar, left empty due to the curfew. (HT Photo)

Army and paramilitary forces deployed in Muzaffarnagar. (HT Photo)

Army and paramilitary forces deployed in Muzaffarnagar. (HT Photo)

Fourteen more people were killed in UP’s Muzaffarnagar on Sunday, taking the toll from two days of deadly communal clashes to 27. Unofficial sources, however, put the figure much higher.

The state government gave shoot-at-sight orders as the violence, fuelled by rumours, spread to the rural areas. The army, called in on Saturday, staged a flag march and took over law and order responsibilities in the district, inspector general Brij Bhushan said.

Army personnel were moved into riot-affected Meerut and Shamli districts too.

Late at night, the violence spread to Baghpat district where one person was killed.

An army column sent to evacuate people trapped in several affected villages also came under attack. Home secretary Kamal Saxena said the jawans managed to get the people out safely.

Reports of lynching, arson, stone-pelting and damage to property poured in through the day. As curfew continued, police arrested 30 people on charges of inciting violence.

Communal tensions — simmering in Muzaffarnagar since August 27, when a sexual harassment incident led to clashes and three deaths — resurfaced on

Saturday after a mahapanchayat on the issue. Thirteen people were killed in the violence.

On Sunday, shops stayed shut and people had to make do without essentials such as milk, bread and vegetables. Additional troops of the paramilitary forces, Rapid Action Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary were deployed in affected areas.

In the face of Opposition criticism, the ruling Samajwadi Party held a meeting with party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and chief minister Akhilesh Yadav discussing the situation with ministers.

The Centre sought a report from the state and directed it to take strong action. Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde spoke to the CM on Saturday, sources said.